Festivals & Traditions
We all like a party, our ancestors led the way. And some of theirs we still celebrate to this day — with songs to mark them.
Some traditions go way back, others are shall we say not as old as we may think.
New Year
It’s a time that marks the change in the year, and a time when a very special guest might knock on your door – the Mari Lwyd and her posse.
Do you celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Mari Lwyd tradition? Watch our video to learn all about the New Years’ Eve knock at the door and what you need to do if you hear the Mari Lwyd calling in Wales on 31 December…
Christmas
There are some wonderful traditions around Christmas aren’t there?
You may know of some — Christmas cards, Christmas trees… and Christmas puddings! But do you know where they came from and do you know some of the Welsh Christmas traditions?
Find out why — in Victorian times — Christmas cards used to be less friendly than they are today and what sort of Christmas pudding you could look forward to in Elizabeth I’s reign and more!
Autumn
Hydref is the Welsh name for autumn, the time of year when the natural world begins to change colour, the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, all signalling the move into winter.
Look out for leaves changing to gold and orange, look for birds like swallows and swifts preparing for their epic migration to warmer countries and get ready to get picking – blackberries are ripe at this time of year – perfect for autumn baking.
Find out how we celebrate the changing seasons and the traditional celebrations at this time of year including Halloween or as we say in Cymru — Nos Calan Gaeaf.
St David's Day
On 1 March in Wales we celebrate our national saint, St David. It’s a time to wear traditional Welsh clothing with leeks and daffodils pinned to our lapels whilst we dance and sing traditional Welsh songs.
But who was David or Dewi as his mother named him?
Discover David’s story, how he studied hard to become a monk (yes, even a saint has to study) sharing his learning with people all over Wales and beyond; how he performed miracles and how long it took the Pope to recognise his extraordinary life and work as Archbishop of Wales!
St Dwynwen's Day
Often referred to as the Welsh Valentine’s Day, Saint Dwynwen’s Day is celebrated in Wales on 25 January each year.
We exchange cards and gifts, take time out, have special meals with our loved ones... some may go as far as to take long walks on deserted beaches, carve lovespoons, cwtch up in front of a roaring log fire and all that romantic fuzziness.
But what’s the real story? Who was Dwynwen and why is she the Welsh patron saint of love? Discover Dwynwen’s story of love and heartbreak, how she became a saint who devoted her life looking after others, making sure they found hope and strength to follow their hearts and to be happy...
Find out more in Heroes & heroines of Wales
Do you know our Anthem?
She is strong, and fiery and quite dramatic… but do you know where she comes from? When was she born and how did a sung letter 'Glan Rhondda' (On the banks of the Rhondda) to a brother far away, grow up to become the anthem we know and love today?
